It was not really much of a secret that former GOP Congressman Rick Hill would announce that he was running for Montana Governor in 2012. But it was kind of interesting that a press release was sent out on Friday and reported late Friday afternoon that Hill would announce his candidacy on Monday. KRTV (CBS) first reported it.

Sadly, The Western Word was not notified of the “announcement about the announcement.” Maybe it went into my spam folder. Nonetheless, I am now signed up for e-mail updates from the Rick Hill for Governor Website.

So now there are three: Ken Miller, Cory Stapleton, and Rick Hill. Will there be more candidates come forward? I imagine so.

By the way, candidates are always free to send me information at the e-mail address on the top right side of this screen – just add me to your media list.

In the political world, Fridays are normally the time when you announce something that you really don’t want much publicity about. Fridays are when most people are heading out for the weekend and not watching the news. Saturday newspapers are lightly read.

With the announcement that there would be an announcement hitting the news on Friday night and Saturday, will there be anything to report about when Hill actually makes the announcement on Monday?

Some folks are probably wondering why announcing for Montana Governor this early is more important than announcing that you are running for President. There are no well-known candidates who have announced they are running for President yet.

One reason for the early announcement by these three people is that the Montana Legislature meets in January, and you won’t have a group of Montana politicians together in one spot again before the June 2012 primary. Deals, lobbying, and promises need to be made…you must get people in your corner.

But most regular people just don’t really care…

With Rick Hill entering the race, he has to be considered the favorite as he is the only one of the three who has won a state-wide race – and Hill has the all-important name recognition.

But probably the biggest thing that will help decide the Republican primary for Governor is the answer to this question: WWSE – Who Will Sarah Endorse…of course that Sarah is Sarah Palin. Palin does make endorsements in primaries. She has a following in Big Sky Country.

Miller has had some contact with Palin at an event in Missoula earlier this year. It could be a big prize if SarahPac sends resources to one of the candidates to help out in the primary or if Palin, herself, comes to the aid of one of the candidates because the other two are not worthy enough conservatives in her eyes.

The second biggest thing is whom these candidates select for their running mate – to be Lieutenant Governor if they are elected. My calendar is open…

Third, whom will the various members of the Tea Party here in Montana get behind? Maybe they will announce their support on Facebook…

The folks who vote in the GOP primary in June 2012 will have quite a choice. With three candidates already announcing on the GOP side, I doubt that it will be too long before we hear about a Democrat or two throwing their hats into the ring. Steve Bullock is probably making plans already…

In the 2012 political world, time is a wasting…